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New Entertainment Hall In Washington Gets Variance

Last updated on Monday, July 30, 2012

(WASHINGTON) - There will be a new entertainment hall in Washington as the city Board of Zoning Appeals granted a variance to a hall at 807 W. VanTrees St.

Nate Smith, of the Washington Times-Herald reports, at its meeting Wednesday, the board had tabled the variance request from April when the then owner James Carrico applied for the variance. James has since passed and his son Jim has carried on to see the hall built.

Jim presented the board with additional information on operations of the entertainment center. Board members seemed pleased with what they said were stringent restrictions.

To avoid a situation that occurred with 4 Seasons hall that shut down but not before having numerous noise complaints, board members wanted to make sure everything was in order. Neighbors around the former West End school have all given their approval.

"I think with all the restrictions, they have it all nailed down," Zoning Appeals President Don Spillman said.

The variance was unanimously granted.

But another property was a little difficult to come to a final solution, a conditional use permit to expand a restaurant at 107 N.W. Fifth St.

Engineer Tom Schroeder spoke on behalf of El Muneco owner Florencio Becerra and wanted to add additional space to create a family dining area in front of his restaurant and more kitchen space.

Although Becerra owns most of the property in and around his restaurant, board members found two problems -- residential space and parking.

Becerra owns the houses next to the restaurant and lives in one of them.

An adjoining clinic said parking could be used in the area, but board members wanted more space.

"We've given three (conditional use permits) on this. At some point, we have to look at this area if is a restaurant or housing," Spillman said.

The area is currently zoned residential. After lengthy discussion between Becerra, Schroeder and the board, a conditional use permit was issued on three specific conditions. The conditions were that property lines be redrawn, any changes in shared parking be notified and Becerra cannot rent the house he currently resides in.

The conditional use permit was unanimously accepted.

In other business:

Building Commissioner Chris Wimmenauer presented a case of the Padgett house on S.E. 11th Street and U.S. 50. After complaints about items, the residents were asked to stop selling lawn mowers and other salvaged items.

The residents asked about their options and said they could come back and apply for a variance or conditional use permit, but they would have to keep their operations in a garage and not outside.

A hearing has been set in a salvage operation on Maysville Road and Oak Street.

The situation, involving the Nalker family, has been ongoing for a year.

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